The grant money will also be used to expand the department's Gang Resistance Education and Training program, or G.R.E.A.T. In that program, officers go to fifth- and eighth-grade classrooms to teach students skills that will help them avoid gang activity.

"It's about positive contact. Kids are more apt to come to us because we have a positive bond," Garcia said.

Deputy Kenneth Wells is one of the instructors who travels to 26 area schools as part of the program. He said schools have reported less bullying since the program began in 2008.

"It's also letting other kids identify violent behavior and come forward without being afraid of being called a snitch," Wells said.

The nationwide program has four components: middle and elementary school curricula, a summer program and a families program.

With the first three components already in place, the sheriff's office is using the grant money to fulfill the last one: family.

"The program gets kids together with parents to build stronger families," Wells said.

The department will receive certification training for the family program in August.

Wells said 51 kids so far signed up for the martial arts classes, which began Monday at First United Methodist Church at 407 N. Bridge St.

Students can join anytime before the final class on July 29, which will feature a demonstration and awards ceremony.

Parents interested in signing their children up for the class can call the sheriff's office at 361-212-6279 or sign up at the time of any class.